The political landscape in Pakistan witnessed a new development as Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announced the creation of the Imran Khan Release Force to campaign for the freedom of its founding chairman, Imran Khan. The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who confirmed that the force would be formally registered and would begin its activities after Eid ul Fitr with a public oath taking ceremony in Peshawar.
Imran Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023, following convictions in multiple legal cases. The former prime minister has consistently maintained that these cases are politically motivated, linking them to his removal from office through a parliamentary vote in 2022. His party has intensified efforts for his release, especially after a recent medical report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that he has only 15 percent vision left in his right eye.
The federal government has rejected claims of negligence, stating that the former premier is receiving the best possible medical care. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that PTI leadership and Imran Khan’s personal doctors were satisfied with the treatment provided. However, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan has accused authorities of mishandling his medical condition and politicising the matter.
Speaking to media outside the Supreme Court, Afridi stated that he had been entrusted with leading a street movement aimed at securing the former premier’s release. He alleged that court orders were not being implemented and claimed that access to personal doctors was still being restricted.
The Imran Khan Release Force will operate under a structured command system, with leadership roles to be decided by Imran Khan himself. According to Afridi, the movement will remain peaceful and focus on the supremacy of the Constitution, democracy, and an independent media.
